Fired officer files appeal

Peck says results of lie-detector test back his contention

Fired Lawrence Police Officer Stuart “Mike” Peck on Tuesday said he’s taken a lie-detector test to prove he did not intentionally mislead a judge.

“It turned out just like I thought it would, because I did not lie to the judge, I did not mislead the judge,” Peck said.

Peck, 38, was fired Feb. 11, three weeks after Douglas County District Judge Michael Malone suppressed evidence in a drug case after ruling Peck gave misleading information and withheld information while obtaining a search warrant.

Peck is scheduled to appear Tuesday before a city grievance committee.

“I’m seeking reinstatement,” Peck said. “I plan to appeal this as far as I can or until my name is cleared.”

The city’s grievance committee proceedings are closed to the public.

Procedures call for Police Chief Ron Olin and Peck to present their respective arguments for and against Peck’s dismissal before a five-person committee of city employees.

After hearing both sides of the grievance, the committee may uphold, reverse or modify the firing.

Afterward, Olin and Peck may appeal the committee’s decision to City Manager Mike Wildgen. Wildgen’s decision may not be appealed.

“The next step — if there is a next step — would be to file a civil case in district court,” said Frank Reeb, the city’s director of administrative services.